Tourist guides
Last updated 16:00, Wednesday, 23 July 2008
TOURIST guides are an essential part of the tourism industry in the UK.
They conduct organised tours for groups of tourists in a wide range of locations throughout the UK. Tourist guides inform visitors about heritage sites and attractions such as stately homes, museums and archaeological sites.
Typical work activities include:
l conducting organised tours in a region or large city and introducing visitors to places of interest
l communicating with large groups of people
l offering specialist knowledge of subjects, such as natural history, art or architecture
Many tourist guides work on a freelance basis as registered guides with a regional tourist board, tour operator or other organisation. Alternatively, they can be employed by a guide company.
Occasional opportunities may arise within local authorities and the The National Trust.
Training and entry requirements vary, with tourist guides coming from a range of backgrounds. The Institute of Tourist Guiding sets the professional standards for the industry, with focus on the prestigious Blue Badge qualification.
